I was interested to read, after finding this silent film in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, that it flopped, due to the earlier release of The Jazz Singer, the first talkie, nevertheless this picture has been rediscovered and is recognised as one of the last few great non-speaking films, directed by Josef von Sternberg (The Blue Angel, Shanghai Express). Basically Bill Roberts (George Bancroft) works as a stoker on a coal-red barge, his ship has just pulled into port in New York City, the crew are given one night for shore leave. While the ship was pulling in, Bill saves the life of beautiful prostitute Mae (Betty Compson) from drowning, she was attempting suicide as she lost all her money, had almost no clothing and felt remorse about her life up to then. Bill steals some clothes for Mae to wear and invites her out of a "good night", they go together to a bustling wharf pub. While there Bill almost gets into a fight with one of the pub-goers, after only a short time of knowing each other, Bill spontaneously proposes marriage to her, and to prove he is serious he asks the minister invited to conduct it, to make it legitimate. Mae is surprised by this quick but heartwarming gesture, but she is the disappointed the next morning when he must return to the ship, he says to her that he couldn't be serious about staying with her and fulfilling his marriage vows, because his job keeps him at sea. The ship sets out to sea, but Bill makes a decision before it leaves the city harbour, following events, he cannot leave Mae, so he swims ashore to find her. Going to a tavern, a patron directs him to the local Night Court, Mae is accused of stealing the clothes that had in fact been stolen for her. The judge sentences Mae to spend 30 days in jail, but Bill shows up in time to confess that it was in fact him that stole the clothes. The irritated judge gives him 60 days in jail for theft, Bill says to Mae that he will do the time for her, as Bill is taken away Mae pledges to "wait forever" for him. Also starring Olga Baclanova as Lou, Clyde Cook as "Sugar" Steve, Mitchell Lewis as Andy the Third Engineer and Gustav von Seyffertitz as "Hymn Book" Harry. It is a slightly odd fast-paced love story, a ship worker falling for a street walker who he rescued from the waters, but the inevitable events that occur make for interesting watching, there is some memorable imagery, a worthwhile silent drama. Very good!
Review of The Docks of New York
